Citric Acid
Part of our Ingredient Glossary — educational information about raw materials we may use in our products. We don't sell raw ingredients.
Every time you drop one of our tub truffles or tub cakes into your bath and watch it fizz and bubble, you're witnessing citric acid at work. This crystalline powder is what transforms a simple bath bomb into an effervescent experience that both delights your senses and benefits your skin.
While citric acid occurs naturally in lemons, limes, and oranges, we use pharmaceutical-grade synthetic citric acid in our formulations. The synthetic version gives us consistent potency and purity without the variability of natural extracts. When combined with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in our tub cakes, it creates that satisfying fizzing reaction that releases oils, fragrances, and skin-loving ingredients into your bath water.
Beyond the fun factor, citric acid serves as a gentle alpha hydroxy acid that helps slough away dead skin cells while balancing your skin's natural pH. Most tap water is alkaline, which can disrupt your skin's protective acid mantle. Our citric acid helps restore that optimal slightly acidic environment your skin craves.
We've been perfecting the citric acid ratios in our bath products for over 25 years. Too little and you get a disappointing plop instead of a fizz. Too much and the reaction happens too quickly, wasting the experience. We've found the sweet spot that gives you a sustained, satisfying bubble show while delivering real skincare benefits. It's chemistry that works beautifully.
